Historical Society makes plans for schoolhouse renovations

The Stephenson County Historical Society continues to move forward with efforts to renovate the oft-visited one-room schoolhouse on the grounds of its museum in Freeport. This schoolhouse, that dates back to the 1800s, was moved to its present location from Harlem Township in 1975. Originally, this was the Millerburg School.

By Jane Lethlean

Journal Standard

By Jane Lethlean

Posted Nov. 3, 2011 at 12:01 AM
Updated Nov 3, 2011 at 2:23 AM

By Jane Lethlean

Posted Nov. 3, 2011 at 12:01 AM
Updated Nov 3, 2011 at 2:23 AM

Freeport, Ill.

The Stephenson County Historical Society continues to move forward with efforts to renovate the oft-visited one-room schoolhouse on the grounds of its museum in Freeport. This schoolhouse, that dates back to the 1800s, was moved to its present location from Harlem Township in 1975. Originally, this was the Millerburg School.

Within its walls, hundreds of children received their elementary education over a long period of years. The structure is typical of the rural schools in Stephenson County, as are the furnishings inside the building. The classroom is representative of a typical classroom in the 1920s.

The schoolhouse is a favorite place to visit on school trips to the museum. For some time, historical society members knew things needed to be done for the upkeep of the schoolhouse, but they just didn’t have the funds.

This past year, the historical society received a $70,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources under their Museum Capital Grant Program. The problem is, renovations to the structure are estimated at $111,000. A campaign is underway to raise the remaining $41,000 to help pay for structural changes, a new roof, and the addition of a heating system.

Dr. Ed Finch, executive director of the historical society, said the wood frame building has been in need of major repairs for many years. The roof is sagging. The walls and foundation are showing the ravages of time, mainly due to the moving process from the school’s original location on West Stephenson Road. Plans call for renovation work to stabilize and reinforce the existing structure.

“We are still completing the specifications of the building, but it is in bad shape,” Finch said. “The south wall is bowed — the roof sags — the windows are falling out, and there is lead paint.

“We will have to take this building down to the studs, inside and out, and put in a full basement,” he added.

Finch said one of the problems with the roof was caused by the addition of a bell tower when the school was moved to its present location. There never used to be a bell tower on this school. The roof on the building has not been able to sustain the weight of the bell tower. Renovation plans do include replacing the bell tower.

“The ringing of the bell is one of the most popular features of this school — the kids love it,” Finch said. “Once we get all the work done, we will have a functioning one-room schoolhouse for classroom use, and, we also have plans to develop a curriculum for teachers to use when they bring classes here to use the schoolhouse.”

Raising the Money

The campaign to raise additional funds needed for the renovation will kick off with a Cheese and Wine Tasting reception from 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday at the Oscar Taylor Home, 1440 S. Carroll Ave. in Freeport.

Page 2 of 2 - “We have never done a fundraiser like this before and since the land is owned by the Freeport Park District, we have permission to have an event where alcohol is served,” Finch said. “Admission is by prior donation only.”

Finch is not the only person looking forward to raising the funds for the schoolhouse renovation. President of the Stephenson County Historical Society, Harvey Wilhelms, had this to say, “Providing a legacy for future generations of children is our goal. Having a safe and attractive facility will allow us to continue our efforts to tell the story of the role of the one-room schoolhouse in American History.”

Finch said there will be a future public showing of a documentary on one-room schoolhouses in the Midwest.

Anyone interested in attending the Saturday fundraiser can call the museum at (815) 232-8419, or contact a historical society member.